"Those who are supporting anti-nationals and terrorists should be branded as anti-nationals and should be in Pakistan," VHP international working president Praveen Togadia said.

Togadia made the comment against the backdrop of Farooqui asking whether Bhatkal's arrest was "based on crime or religion". The VHP leader said, "This Farooqui is fit to be in Pakistan. If he is supporting anti-nationals and terrorists, he is anti-national and fit to be in Pakistan."

Congress and BJP have slammed Farooqui for his comment calling it "ridiculous" and "regrettable". Samajwadi Party has, however, distanced itself from Farooqui's remarks saying that he reflected his personal views. "Farooqui's statement is not that of the party's. It could be his personal views," senior SP leader Ramgopal Yadav said on Saturday.